Parks & Rec. Dept. releases jam-packed fall schedule

This story originally appeared in the August 25 edition of the Canton Citizen.

Following a busy summer season in which many Canton families took advantage of the town pool, summer concerts, and day camps for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Canton Parks and Recreation Department has planned a wide range of events for children, adults, and families for the upcoming fall season. The complete fall program guide is now available for viewing at cantonma.myrec.com.

“Overall it went extremely well,” Parks and Rec. Director Tyler Radicioni said of the summer activities. “I think we have a camp for everyone out there, all ages. Every camp was full.”

Throughout the warm weather months, Radicioni and Assistant Director James Coutoumas also worked on putting together programs for the fall that include new offerings, the return of some favorites, a free family movie night, and a Halloween parade followed by Trunk or Treat fun.

“Jim and I worked hard on the fall brochure,” Radicioni said. “We’re really excited.”

The new programs include a puppetry class for children in grades 1-5 who want to create their own puppets and use them in original plays and videos. The program runs for seven weeks beginning in mid-September with classes held every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. Inclusion Sports, another new offering, is designed for kids of all abilities with a focus on football and track and field events. There are two Saturday sessions for children, one for those ages 3-6 and another for kids ages 7-10.

In Wicked Cool for Kids’ LEGO BricQ Motion 1 program, children in grades 2-5 will explore forces and motion through investigations and also compete in the LEGO Olympics. Sessions are held every Wednesday afternoon from September 21 to October 26.

For the budding artists in the community, a monthly Paint Club geared towards kids ages 5 and older will be offered at the Recreation Center with all materials included as part of the $25 registration fee. Sessions will be offered on October 4, November 1 and December 6 from 6-7 p.m., and each participant will leave with their own 11” by 14” painting to keep.

The Middle School Half Day Program is another new fall offering that provides an afternoon activity on early release days in September and October. On September 23, Galvin Middle Schoolers can bowl and play arcade games in the afternoon at Apex Entertainment in Marlborough. On Friday, October 21, they can travel to United Skates of America in Rumford, Rhode Island, to roller skate and play laser tag. Bus transportation is provided from the middle school and the trips are limited to 40 students.

Radicioni said he also reached out to the Canton Police Department for help in bringing back the Cops and Kids Mountain Biking program. During two Saturday morning sessions — one on September 10 and another on October 1 —  two CPD officers will ride with students in grades 6-12 on the trails at Windsor Woods.

“There’s no cap — we want to get as many kids as possible in that one,” Radicioni said. “I think it’s a good way to connect kids with police officers and build that relationship.”

The officers will spend 30 to 45 minutes discussing bike safety before the group sets out to ride the trails in the area.

For adult residents, Canton Parks & Rec. is offering Fitness in the Park, a six-week interval training class that mixes calisthenics and body weight exercise with cardio and strength training. Classes are held at Pequitside Farm on Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. beginning September 15, and there will be a new workout routine each week.

On Friday evening, September 23, Parks and Rec. will host a free film for families at the Paul Revere Heritage Site. Radicioni encouraged families to arrive at 6 p.m. with chairs or blankets and perhaps some dinner. The movie and popcorn will start at 6:30 and end at about 8 p.m. Families need to register for the film at cantonma.myrec.com and will be given an opportunity to vote for one of three movie choices.

One of the highlights of the fall will be the annual Halloween celebration on Sunday, October 30, which kicks off at 1 p.m. with a costume parade from the Bank of Canton’s downtown branch to Canton High School, where trick-or-treaters can enjoy the fun of a Harvest Festival and also go from car to car asking for treats until 3:30 p.m. “Go all out,” Radicioni said of businesses and families who want to decorate a vehicle and share in the fun. “The more (cars) we get, the better it is. We’re trying to encourage the whole town to get involved.”

In addition to the “trunk or treating,” the festival will feature a fall-themed photo booth, donuts and cider, entertainment by DJ Mike Pride, pumpkin painting, goodie bags, and a small petting zoo.

Also scheduled for the fall is the Billy Armando Memorial Golf Tournament to be held on October 11 at Blue Hill Country Club. Armando grew up in Canton, was a Playground and Recreation commissioner, and spent his life working to make his hometown a better place for residents of all ages. The proceeds from the tournament will provide scholarships for two graduating high school seniors and help to fund recreation events for the town.

The Parks and Recreation Department is permitted to receive donations to its Recreation Revolving Fund, and donors may choose to have the department direct the funds to where they are most needed. Or they can ask to have the funds used for a community event, such as the summer concert series or Halloween celebration, or used in the needs-based waiver program, which allows residents who are experiencing financial challenges to take part in specific recreational programs and camps.

For more information on these programs as well as skating lessons at Metropolis Skating Rink, the Blast Babysitting CPR course, archery and yoga, plus information on fees, equipment and more, go to cantonma.myrec.com.

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Posted by Mary Ann Price on Sep 2 2022. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.